Declaration of principle on animal research

In its declaration of principle on the subject of animal research, the Max Planck Society emphasises the indispensability of animal research for biomedical research, but also acknowledges the special responsibility of each individual scientist for the animals used in research and the ethical issues associated with experiments carried out on sentient beings. The gain in insight expected from an experiment must be weighed against the harm inflicted on animals – an evaluation for which there are no universally accepted standards.

In its White Paper, the Max Planck Society has adopted a series of measures designed to achieve the best possible compromise between the obligation to protect the animals used for research and the need to perform research with sentient beings in order to gain insights into the processes supporting the life of organisms. These measures include:

strengthening the culture of care for the animals; this is to be achieved through improved coordination of animal welfare within the MPG, while at the same time maintaining the highest quality of science

Further refinement and reduction of use animals in research - scientific insights should be used to reduce the number of experiments and minimize the potential harm inflicted on the animals

transparent presentation of animal research for the general public

research aimed at improving the implementation of the 3 R principle

research on the living conditions of research animals, their social behaviour, perception of pain, consciousness and their right for life

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The Senate of the Max Planck Society has adopted a declaration of principle (White Paper) on the subject of "Animal Experiments in Basic Research". The Max Planck Society emphasises therein the indispensability of animal research but also acknowledges the special responsibility of each individual scientist for the animals used in research and the ethical issues associated with experiments carried out on sentient beings. Various measures are intended to contribute to enhancing the well-being of the animals and promoting a culture of care for the animals. The MPG drew up the paper after extensive consultation with an international committee which was convened by the President of the Max Planck Society. The committee comprised renowned researchers from various areas of the life sciences, behavioural researchers, ethicists, communication specialists and senior individuals from the field of research policy.